In the quiet, rustic setting of Bacon Hollow, Virginia, a tragedy unfolded on May 1, 1926, that ended the life of a local man, Roman Morris. The events of that day led to the arrest and subsequent conviction of another area resident, casting a somber shadow over the small community.
Newspaper accounts from the period detail the legal proceedings that followed the untimely death of Roman Morris.
In the July term of the Greene County Circuit Court, Luke Shiflett was indicted for the murder of Morris. The trial moved forward with notable speed, a testament to the swift justice sought in the rural county.
The prosecution was led by Commonwealth's Attorney J.F. Parrott, who was assisted by Attorney C.E. Gentry. Defending Luke Shiflett were attorneys Hammer and the father-son duo of McCue. The evidence in the case was presented to the jury over the course of a day and a half, beginning on a Monday afternoon and concluding by noon the following Tuesday.
After receiving instructions and hearing the arguments from both the prosecution and the defense, the jury retired to deliberate. They returned a short time later with their verdict. Luke Shiflett was found guilty in the death of Roman Morris and was sentenced to serve three years in the penitentiary. The funeral for Roman Morris was held on a Thursday and was largely attended by the community, with his burial taking place at his mother's home. He was survived by his mother and a number of siblings.
